Preventing inherited Alzheimer's before brain changes
DIAN-TU Primary Prevention Trial
This project is testing a drug to stop amyloid from building up in people who carry genetic mutations that cause early-onset Alzheimer's and who have no symptoms yet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11377928 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll be randomly assigned to receive either an active study drug or a placebo without knowing which, and you will be followed for about four years. The trial plans to enroll about 160 adults who carry a dominantly inherited Alzheimer mutation and are more than 15 years before their expected symptom onset, with little or no amyloid on PET at enrollment. Researchers will use brain imaging, blood and other biomarkers, and cognitive testing to see whether the treatment prevents amyloid plaque from forming. The work is run through the DIAN-TU network at multiple international clinical sites with scheduled visits for scans, sample collection, and assessments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are cognitively normal adults who carry a dominantly inherited Alzheimer mutation, are more than 15 years before their expected symptom onset, and have minimal or no amyloid on PET scans.
Not a fit: People without a dominantly inherited mutation, those who already have dementia symptoms, or those with established significant amyloid plaque are unlikely to benefit from this prevention approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could prevent or delay amyloid plaque formation and later cognitive decline in people with dominantly inherited Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous anti-amyloid treatments in symptomatic and secondary-prevention settings have had mixed results, and primary prevention in mutation carriers is a relatively new and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdade, Eric Martin — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mcdade, Eric Martin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.